2008 will see the Australian wine sector champion an international Shiraz conference for the third time, according to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation.
The latest Wine Australia e-news report says growers, winemakers, trade and press will gather in the Barossa Valley for the International Shiraz Alliance from June 20 to 22.
Convened by a committee of wine luminaries' intent on maintaining Australia's reputation for both cutting edge and classical Shiraz, the event will bring together a diverse range of speakers to discuss factors that influence retail and restaurant wine purchasing decisions.
The Shiraz variety has contributed largely to Australia's reputation for winemaking excellence and remains one of the world's most popular varietals.
This year's Shiraz Alliance will feature an experienced panel of winemakers, journalists, retailers, sommeliers and chefs from the UK, US, China, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
Over three days delegates will enjoy masterclasses, winery workshops, and entry to the world's most extensive Shiraz tasting.
Shiraz is Australia's most widely planted variety covering a quarter of Australia's total vineyard area.
Its suitability to Australian climates and established reputation may be the reason that it is still the most planted variety in Australia with an additional 668 hectares planted in 2007, leading the emerging fashion for plantings of Sauvignon Blanc on 507 hectares and Pinot Gris/Grigio on 412 hectares.
Yet despite its proliferation into many corners of the Australian continent, it also attracts a premium price.
Winemakers pay more for Shiraz grapes, with the district weighted average price in 2007 at $739/tonne, 16pc higher than the average for all winegrapes ($636/t).
SOURCE: AWBC